HAILING from as far away as balmy Brisbane and cold Canada, students at Deakin Medical School are more than adjusting to Warrnambool’s somewhat unpredictable climate.

Melbourne’s Robbie Mann, Vancouver’s Graham Spencer and Brisbane’s Maddy Corke have all settled into practical study at Warrnambool Base Hospital following two years of theoretical training at Deakin’s Waurn Ponds campus.

The medical student trio are relishing the opportunity to become more involved in hands-on learning, with last year’s medical school dux Ben Fleming returning as part of his final-year internship.

Mr Spencer originally studied child psychology but switched to general practice as a way of broadening his career opportunities.

“(Having a general medical degree) opens up the possibilities of working here or anywhere in the world, really,” the former Vancouverite said.

Ms Corke said she always had an inclination towards medical studies and was happy to switch to Warrnambool after her two-year stint at the Deakin Medical School’s base in Waurn Ponds.

“All of us have done some undergraduate study, plus Waurn Ponds, so it’s great we’re able to learn first-hand what work is involved inside a hospital,” the former Queenslander said.

Mr Mann initially gained a Bachelor of Science in Melbourne before deciding upon medicine as a career option.

“Warrnambool’s been really welcoming and people seem to really appreciate having a medical school in the local area,” he said.

Warrnambool mayor Michael Neoh has praised the school, noting that of more than 130 graduating students across four clinical school sites, the top three rankings were awarded to Warrnambool-based students.